Dingwall

Overview

Dingwall Guitars is a manufacturer of electric bass guitars and related accessories based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Founded on the philosophy of building versatile, high-quality instruments, the company has established itself as a significant player in the electric bass guitar market, claiming to be the third largest guitar manufacturer in Canada. The company offers custom shop services, limited edition products, and a range of accessories including strings and apparel, serving musicians seeking premium instruments.

History

Sheldon Dingwall began nurturing his interest in handcrafted instruments in 1981, eventually founding Dingwall Guitars in 1987 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The company has grown from a small operation to become recognized internationally for manufacturing technically sophisticated, high-end bass guitars. Dingwall remains a privately held corporation with Sheldon Dingwall serving as CEO, maintaining its headquarters in the same location since its founding.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Approximately half of Dingwall's bass guitars are manufactured in-house at their Saskatoon facility, while the remaining half are produced in China using North American sourced materials and are set up again in Canada before distribution. This hybrid approach allows the company to balance quality control with production capacity.

Notable Products

• Lee Sklar Signature Bass - Artist signature model designed in collaboration with renowned session bassist Lee Sklar
• Prima Artist Bass - Flagship professional-grade model representing the company's core design philosophy
• Afterburner Series - High-performance bass line known for technical sophistication and modern features
• NG Model - Contemporary design model in the Dingwall lineup
• Super J Bass - Jazz-influenced electric bass combining traditional aesthetics with modern construction

Reputation

Dingwall Guitars is recognized by professionals and enthusiasts as a manufacturer of technically sophisticated, high-end bass guitars with a strong reputation for quality and innovation in the electric bass market. The brand has cultivated a dedicated following among session musicians and touring professionals. The company's hybrid manufacturing approach—combining Canadian craftsmanship with offshore production—reflects a pragmatic balance between quality and scalability, though some purists may prefer fully domestic production. Dingwall's position as the third largest guitar manufacturer in Canada demonstrates significant market presence and credibility within the industry.